Prest-O Change-O

About the production

This was one of Chuck Jones' early directorial efforts at Warner Bros., produced during the golden age of theatrical animation. The film was created using traditional cel animation techniques with each frame hand-drawn and painted. The Two Curious Puppies characters were recurring figures in Warner Bros. shorts of this period, though they never achieved the fame of other studio characters. The magician's rabbit character in this short is notable as an early example of the clever, anthropomorphic rabbit characters that would later evolve into more famous Warner Bros. creations.

Themes

Themes & topics

Historical background

Made in 1939, Prest-O Change-O reflects production norms of the studio-system peak and early sound decades—shorter runtimes, regional audiences, and limited preservation infrastructure.

Why this film matters

Historians reference Prest-O Change-O (1939) when discussing 1939 film by Chuck Jones.

Making of

The production of 'Prest-O Change-O' took place during a formative period at Warner Bros. animation studio, when Chuck Jones was still developing his distinctive directorial style. The animation team worked under the supervision of producer Leon Schlesinger, who gave his directors considerable creative freedom. The magical elements in the film required innovative animation techniques, including the use of multiple exposure photography and careful timing of transformation sequences. Mel Blanc recorded his voice tracks in a single session, creating distinct characterizations for each role. The musical score was composed by Carl Stalling, who was renowned for his ability to synchronize classical and popular music cues with on-screen action. The animation team faced challenges in creating believable magical effects using the limited technology available in 1939, relying on careful drawing and timing rather than optical effects.

What critics said

Trade and revival screenings have kept Prest-O Change-O (1939) on the map for collectors and scholars rather than mass first-run promotion.

Did you know?

• This was one of the earliest films directed by Chuck Jones, who would go on to become one of animation's most celebrated directors.
• The Two Curious Puppies characters appeared in multiple Warner Bros. shorts between 1939 and 1941 but never developed into a regular series.
• The magician's rabbit character demonstrates magical abilities and personality traits that would later influence the creation of Bugs Bunny.
• Mel Blanc provided all the vocal characterizations, including the puppies' whimpers and the rabbit's magical incantations.
• The short was released as part of the Merrie Melodies series, which typically featured more sophisticated musical scores than the companion Looney Tunes series.
• The magical transformation sequences were considered technically ambitious for their time, requiring complex animation timing and multiple cel layers.
• This short was produced during the same year as classics like 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'Gone with the Wind,' representing the height of Hollywood's golden age.
• The film's title is a play on the phrase 'presto change-o,' commonly used by magicians during performances.
• Warner Bros. animation studio was operating at full capacity in 1939, producing dozens of shorts to meet theater demand.
• The dog catcher character design was reused in several other Warner Bros. cartoons of the era.

Visual style

The film utilized standard cel animation techniques of the late 1930s, with characters and backgrounds painted on separate cels to create depth and movement. The magical transformation sequences required careful planning and execution, with animators using multiple exposure techniques and rapid cel changes to create smooth metamorphosis effects. The cinematography emphasized contrast and movement, with dynamic camera angles that enhanced the chaotic magical elements. The use of shadows and lighting effects was particularly notable in the house scenes, creating an atmosphere of mystery and supernatural activity.

Innovations

The film featured several technical innovations for its time, particularly in the execution of magical transformation sequences. The animation team developed new techniques for showing objects changing shape and form, using multiple cel layers and careful timing to create smooth transitions. The synchronization of character movement with musical cues was particularly sophisticated, reflecting the studio's growing technical expertise. The use of perspective and depth in the house scenes demonstrated advances in background painting techniques that would become standard in the industry.

Music

The musical score was composed by Carl Stalling, Warner Bros.' musical director who pioneered the use of synchronized music in animation. Stalling incorporated popular songs of the era along with classical music excerpts, creating a rich audio landscape that complemented the on-screen action. The sound effects were created by the studio's team using innovative techniques for the time, including recording actual magical props and manipulating audio speeds. Mel Blanc's vocal performance added another layer to the soundtrack, with his ability to create distinct character voices enhancing the film's comedic impact.

Famous quotes

Prest-o change-o!

Abracadabra!

Hocus pocus!

Memorable scenes

• The sequence where the rabbit transforms various household objects to confuse and trap the puppies, showcasing increasingly elaborate magical effects that build to a chaotic climax of flying furniture and shifting architecture.

What audiences thought

Theatrical audiences in 1939 typically received Warner Bros. animated shorts enthusiastically, as they provided comic relief between feature presentations. The fast-paced action and visual gags in 'Prest-O Change-O' would have appealed to both children and adults in the audience. The magical elements and transformation sequences were particularly popular with viewers of all ages. Modern audiences encountering the film through retrospectives and home media releases generally appreciate it as a historical artifact and an example of classic animation techniques.

Film connections

Influenced by

• Disney's 'Silly Symphonies' series
• Fleischer Studios' Betty Boop cartoons
• Early MGM Tom and Jerry shorts
• Contemporary vaudeville magic acts

This film influenced

• Later Chuck Jones directed shorts
• Warner Bros.' 'Bugs Bunny' series
• Various magical-themed cartoons of the 1940s

Film restoration

The film has been preserved through Warner Bros.' extensive animation archive and is available through various home media releases and digital platforms. The original nitrate negatives have been transferred to safety film and digital formats for long-term preservation.

Where to watch

• Warner Bros. Home Video DVD collections
• Warner Archive streaming service
• Classic animation streaming platforms
• Public domain archives (where applicable)